Who Needs Dentures?

We’ve all heard the jokes about dentures. Grandpa or Grandma misplaces their dentures, only for them to turn up in someone's glass of water or when the dog reveals that it now has a set of 32 pearly whites. But for millions of Americans, dentures are an everyday essential that is no laughing matter. According to the American College of Prosthodontics, more than 36 million Americans are edentulous, or without teeth. About 90% of the edentulous population wears dentures. Beyond that, the majority of Americans are at least partially edentulous. 

It’s not just the fully edentulous who can benefit from dentures, which have evolved well beyond grandparent jokes and often incorporate high-level technology. If you are missing more than one tooth, you may be a good fit for dentures that can truly improve your quality of life. 

Are you missing teeth and interested in restoring your smile? If so, come see the team at Mark Kramer, DDS in Tustin, California. Dr. Kramer is ​​a renowned implantologist, a fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantology, and an expert in restorative dental procedures. In this blog, Dr. Kramer discusses denture basics, who may need dentures, types of dentures, and the benefits of dentures. 

Denture basics 

The term denture refers to a replacement for missing teeth that can be taken out and put back in the mouth. They are made to replicate missing teeth and restore the oral functions and appearance that were lost. They are generally made of a gum-colored base with porcelain or composite resin replacement teeth. 

Who needs dentures? 

Although associated with the elderly, young and middle aged people also wear dentures. Many common oral health problems make them a necessity, including: 

• Gum disease
• Tooth decay
• Ectodermal dysplasia (a genetic disorder)
• Gastrointestinal reflux (stomach acid may erode the teeth in severe cases)

For many with these issues, dentures are the best long-term solution. 

Types of dentures

The dentures that you picture in your head are called full dentures. They replace a full arch of teeth, and are typically held in place via suction or adhesive. Partial dentures replace from one to a few teeth. They’re held in place with hardware that is carefully adapted around the natural teeth. 

Dr. Kramer is an expert in the newest kind of dentures, implant-supported dentures. These dentures are similar to full dentures in that they are used to replace a full arch of teeth. But instead of suction or adhesives, the dentures are attached to post-like implants in the gum and jaw bone. Implant-supported dentures are popular because they preserve bone health and are more stable than other denture types, making it easier to chew sticky or hard foods. These dentures, sometimes referred to as snap-in dentures for the way the dentures connect to the posts, are typically more permanent and need to be removed only for cleaning. 

Benefits of dentures

The biggest benefit of dentures is improved confidence. Nothing beats having a full set of teeth, and modern dentures can be made to match the color of your other teeth so that you can have a complete smile. Dentures also give your face structure, helping to ward off some of the sagging that is often associated with missing teeth. And no matter what type of dentures you get, you should find that they make it easier to eat and, once you get used to them, speak. 

To learn more about dentures and if they’re right for you, book an appointment online or over the phone with Mark Kramer, DDS today.